Actress Cleo Sylvestre has sadly died.
The pioneering star appeared in Grange Hill and was the first black actress to play a leading role at the National Theatre. Her agent released a statement to the BBC on 20 September regarding her death.
“Much-loved and admired by her peers, she will be remembered as a a trail blazer and a true friend. She will be sorely missed by so many. We ask that you respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time.”
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Her daughter took to X/Twitter to pay tribute to her mother and wrote: “Our beloved, inspirational mum @CleoSylvestre crossed over this morning. With thanks to the teams @NHSHomerton and #therlh who cared for her so brilliantly over the past three weeks. Rest in power mum, see you on the dancefloor.”
Cleo, real name Cleopatra, was a regular on the BBC show Grange Hill and was also known for her appearances in Doctor Who, Till Death Us Do Part, Doctors, The Bill and a brief role as a factory worker in Coronation Street.
Sylvestre became the first ever regular Black British female character on British TV playing Meg Richardson’s adopted daughter Melanie in the original series of Crossroads.
On the silver screen, Cleo’s credits include Trog, My Lover My Son, Sammy and Rose Get Laid, The Love Child, Kidulthood and Paddington. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to drama and charity.
Just a month before her death, Cleo appeared on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow to showcase mementos from her early career. She also proudly showed off a hand made Christmas card from Led Zeppelin founding member Jimmy Page.
Fans of Sylvestre flocked to X/Twitter to pay their respects to the pioneering actress. One comment read: “What a woman,” while others said that they were “heartbroken” to hear the news.
“Farewell to trailblazing actress Cleo Sylvestre, who passed away at 79. Her legacy lives on,” wrote someone else as another person typed: “Sad news. RIP Cleo.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
